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What do gH and Hg represent, respectively?

In the context of group theory, gHgH represents the left coset of the subgroup H with respect to the element g, while HgHg represents the right coset of H with respect to g. For a normal subgroup, these two sets are identical.

Conditions

  • H is a subgroup of G
  • g is an element of the group G

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the subgroup H and the element g.
  2. Recognize that multiplying g on the left of H (gH) forms the left coset.
  3. Recognize that multiplying g on the right of H (Hg) forms the right coset.
  4. Note that if H is normal, the left and right cosets coincide (gH=HggH = Hg).

Example

The instructor explicitly says, "Actually, this is the left coset... and this is the right coset," while circling gHgH and HgHg on the board respectively.

Common misconceptions

  • Confusing the order of multiplication; gHgH is not necessarily equal to HgHg unless H is a normal subgroup.
  • Thinking that cosets are elements of the group; they are subsets of the group.

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